scholarly journals Microfluidic Cell Transport with Piezoelectric Micro Diaphragm Pumps

Micromachines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (12) ◽  
pp. 1459
Author(s):  
Agnes Bußmann ◽  
Thomas Thalhofer ◽  
Sophie Hoffmann ◽  
Leopold Daum ◽  
Nivedha Surendran ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Culture ◽  
Cell Viability ◽  
Energy Efficient ◽  
Cell Transport ◽  
Large Power ◽  
Diaphragm Pump ◽  
Actuation Signal ◽  
Rectangular Waveform ◽  
Hybrid Actuation ◽  
The Impact

The automated transport of cells can enable far-reaching cell culture research. However, to date, such automated transport has been achieved with large pump systems that often come with long fluidic connections and a large power consumption. Improvement is possible with space- and energy-efficient piezoelectric micro diaphragm pumps, though a precondition for a successful use is to enable transport with little to no mechanical stress on the cell suspension. This study evaluates the impact of the microfluidic transport of cells with the piezoelectric micro diaphragm pump developed by our group. It includes the investigation of different actuation signals. Therewith, we aim to achieve optimal fluidic performance while maximizing the cell viability. The investigation of fluidic properties proves a similar performance with a hybrid actuation signal that is a rectangular waveform with sinusoidal flanks, compared to the fluidically optimal rectangular actuation. The comparison of the cell transport with three actuation signals, sinusoidal, rectangular, and hybrid actuation shows that the hybrid actuation causes less damage than the rectangular actuation. With a 5% reduction of the cell viability it causes similar strain to the transport with sinusoidal actuation. Piezoelectric micro diaphragm pumps with the fluidically efficient hybrid signal actuation are therefore an interesting option for integrable microfluidic workflows.

VDAC1 Mediated Anticancer Activity of Gallic Acid in Human Lung Adenocarcinoma A549 Cells

2018 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 255-262 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aikebaier Maimaiti ◽  
Amier Aili ◽  
Hureshitanmu Kuerban ◽  
Xuejun Li
Keyword(s):  
Western Blot ◽  
Cell Viability ◽  
Gallic Acid ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
A549 Cells ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Lung Carcinoma Cells ◽  
Induced Apoptosis ◽  
The Impact

Aims: Gallic acid (GA) is generally distributed in a variety of plants and foods, and possesses cell growth-inhibiting activities in cancer cell lines. In the present study, the impact of GA on cell viability, apoptosis induction and possible molecular mechanisms in cultured A549 lung carcinoma cells was investigated. Methods: In vitro experiments showed that treating A549 cells with various concentrations of GA inhibited cell viability and induced apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. In order to understand the mechanism by which GA inhibits cell viability, comparative proteomic analysis was applied. The changed proteins were identified by Western blot and siRNA methods. Results: Two-dimensional electrophoresis revealed changes that occurred to the cells when treated with or without GA. Four up-regulated protein spots were clearly identified as malate dehydrogenase (MDH), voltagedependent, anion-selective channel protein 1(VDAC1), calreticulin (CRT) and brain acid soluble protein 1(BASP1). VDAC1 in A549 cells was reconfirmed by western blot. Transfection with VDAC1 siRNA significantly increased cell viability after the treatment of GA. Further investigation showed that GA down regulated PI3K/Akt signaling pathways. These data strongly suggest that up-regulation of VDAC1 by GA may play an important role in GA-induced, inhibitory effects on A549 cell viability.

An Energy Efficient Spectrum Aware Routing for Cognitive Radio Networks (CRNs)

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dileep Reddy Bolla ◽  
Jijesh J J ◽  
Mahaveer Penna ◽  
Shiva Shankar
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Radio ◽  
Spectrum Sensing ◽  
Cognitive Radio Networks ◽  
Energy Efficient ◽  
Research Work ◽  
Spectrum Management ◽  
Residual Energy ◽  
Radio Networks ◽  
Traffic Load ◽  
The Impact

Back Ground/ Aims:: Now-a-days in the Wireless Communications some of the spectrum bands are underutilized or unutilized; the spectrum can be utilized properly by using the Cognitive Radio Techniques using the Spectrum Sensing mechanisms. Objectives:: The prime objective of the research work carried out is to achieve the energy efficiency and to use the spectrum effectively by using the spectrum management concept and achieve better throughput, end to end delay etc., Methods:: The detection of the spectrum hole plays a vital role in the routing of Cognitive Radio Networks (CRNs). While detecting the spectrum holes and the routing, sensing is impacted by the hidden node issues and exposed node issues. The impact of sensing is improved by incorporating the Cooperative Spectrum Sensing (CSS) techniques. Along with these issues the spectrum resources changes time to time in the routing. Results:: All the issues are addressed with An Energy Efficient Spectrum aware Routing (EESR) protocol which improves the timeslot and the routing schemes. The overall network life time is improved with the aid of residual energy concepts and the overall network performance is improved. Conclusion:: The proposed protocol (EESR) is an integrated system with spectrum management and the routing is successfully established to communication in the network and further traffic load is observed to be balanced in the protocol based on the residual energy in a node and further it improves the Network Lifetime of the Overall Network and the Individual CR user, along with this the performance of the proposed protocol outperforms the conventional state of art routing protocols.

scholarly journals PC12 and THP-1 Cell Lines as Neuronal and Microglia Model in Neurobiological Research

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. 3729
Author(s):  
Katarzyna Balon ◽  
Benita Wiatrak
Keyword(s):  
Cell Culture ◽  
Dna Damage ◽  
Cell Lines ◽  
Inflammatory Factor ◽  
Research Model ◽  
Differentiated Cells ◽  
Undifferentiated Cells ◽  
Primary Cell Lines ◽  
Neurobiological Research ◽  
The Impact

Models based on cell cultures have become a useful tool in modern scientific research. Since primary cell lines are difficult to obtain and handle, neoplasm-derived lines like PC12 and THP-1 offer a cheap and flexible solution for neurobiological studies but require prior differentiation to serve as a neuronal or microglia model. PC12 cells constitute a suitable research model only after differentiation by incubation with nerve growth factor (NGF) and THP-1 cells after administering a differentiation factor such as phorbol 12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA). Still, quite often, studies are performed on these cancer cells without differentiation. The study aimed to assess the impact of PC12 or THP-1 cell differentiation on sensitivity to harmful factors such as Aβ25-35 (0.001–5 µM) (considered as one of the major detrimental factors in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s disease) or lipopolysaccharide (1–100 µM) (LPS; a pro-inflammatory factor of bacterial origin). Results showed that in most of the tests performed, the response of PC12 and THP-1 cells induced to differentiation varied significantly from the effect in undifferentiated cells. In general, differentiated cells showed greater sensitivity to harmful factors in terms of metabolic activity and DNA damage, while in the case of the free radicals, the results were heterogeneous. Obtained data emphasize the importance of proper differentiation of cell lines of neoplastic origin in neurobiological research and standardization of cell culture handling protocols to ensure reliable results.

scholarly journals Impact of RARα and miR-138 on retinoblastoma etoposide resistance

Tumor Biology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 43 (1) ◽  
pp. 11-26
Author(s):  
Maike Busch ◽  
Natalia Miroschnikov ◽  
Jaroslaw Thomas Dankert ◽  
Marc Wiesehöfer ◽  
Klaus Metz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Viability ◽  
Cell Lines ◽  
Cancer Progression ◽  
Treated Patient ◽  
Luciferase Reporter ◽  
Luciferase Reporter Gene ◽  
Gene Assay ◽  
The Impact

BACKGROUND: Retinoblastoma (RB) is the most common childhood eye cancer. Chemotherapeutic drugs such as etoposide used in RB treatment often cause massive side effects and acquired drug resistances. Dysregulated genes and miRNAs have a large impact on cancer progression and development of chemotherapy resistances. OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to investigate the involvement of retinoic acid receptor alpha (RARα) in RB progression and chemoresistance as well as the impact of miR-138, a potential RARα regulating miRNA. METHODS: RARα and miR-138 expression in etoposide resistant RB cell lines and chemotherapy treated patient tumors compared to non-treated tumors was revealed by Real-Time PCR. Overexpression approaches were performed to analyze the effects of RARα on RB cell viability, apoptosis, proliferation and tumorigenesis. Besides, we addressed the effect of miR-138 overexpression on RB cell chemotherapy resistance. RESULTS: A binding between miR-138 and RARα was shown by dual luciferase reporter gene assay. The study presented revealed that RARα is downregulated in etoposide resistant RB cells, while miR-138 is endogenously upregulated. Opposing RARα and miR-138 expression levels were detectable in chemotherapy pre-treated compared to non-treated RB tumor specimen. Overexpression of RARα increases apoptosis levels and reduces tumor cell growth of aggressive etoposide resistant RB cells in vitro and in vivo. Overexpression of miR-138 in chemo-sensitive RB cell lines partly enhances cell viability after etoposide treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings show that RARα acts as a tumor suppressor in retinoblastoma and is downregulated upon etoposide resistance in RB cells. Thus, RARα may contribute to the development and progression of RB chemo-resistance.

scholarly journals Energy-Efficient Packet Forwarding Scheme Based on Fuzzy Decision-Making in Underwater Sensor Networks

Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (13) ◽  
pp. 4368
Author(s):  
Jitander Kumar Pabani ◽  
Miguel-Ángel Luque-Nieto ◽  
Waheeduddin Hyder ◽  
Pablo Otero
Keyword(s):  
Energy Consumption ◽  
Sensor Networks ◽  
Energy Efficient ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Base Station ◽  
Fuzzy Decision Making ◽  
Underwater Sensor Networks ◽  
Packet Forwarding ◽  
Node Number ◽  
The Impact

Underwater Wireless Sensor Networks (UWSNs) are subjected to a multitude of real-life challenges. Maintaining adequate power consumption is one of the critical ones, for obvious reasons. This includes proper energy consumption due to nodes close to and far from the sink node (gateway), which affect the overall energy efficiency of the system. These wireless sensors gather and route the data to the onshore base station through the gateway at the sea surface. However, finding an optimum and efficient path from the source node to the gateway is a challenging task. The common reasons for the loss of energy in existing routing protocols for underwater are (1) a node shut down due to battery drainage, (2) packet loss or packet collision which causes re-transmission and hence affects the performance of the system, and (3) inappropriate selection of sensor node for forwarding data. To address these issues, an energy efficient packet forwarding scheme using fuzzy logic is proposed in this work. The proposed protocol uses three metrics: number of hops to reach the gateway node, number of neighbors (in the transmission range of a node) and the distance (or its equivalent received signal strength indicator, RSSI) in a 3D UWSN architecture. In addition, the performance of the system is also tested with adaptive and non-adaptive transmission ranges and scalable number of nodes to see the impact on energy consumption and number of hops. Simulation results show that the proposed protocol performs better than other existing techniques or in terms of parameters used in this scheme.

scholarly journals Femtosecond pulsed laser microscopy: a new tool to assess the in vitro delivered dose of carbon nanotubes in cell culture experiments

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dominique Lison ◽  
Saloua Ibouraadaten ◽  
Sybille van den Brule ◽  
Milica Todea ◽  
Adriana Vulpoi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Nanotubes ◽  
Cell Culture ◽  
Pulsed Laser ◽  
Lung Fibroblasts ◽  
Laser Microscopy ◽  
Cell Responses ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Delivered Dose ◽  
Femtosecond Pulsed Laser

Abstract Background In vitro models are widely used in nanotoxicology. In these assays, a careful documentation of the fraction of nanomaterials that reaches the cells, i.e. the in vitro delivered dose, is a critical element for the interpretation of the data. The in vitro delivered dose can be measured by quantifying the amount of material in contact with the cells, or can be estimated by applying particokinetic models. For carbon nanotubes (CNTs), the determination of the in vitro delivered dose is not evident because their quantification in biological matrices is difficult, and particokinetic models are not adapted to high aspect ratio materials. Here, we applied a rapid and direct approach, based on femtosecond pulsed laser microscopy (FPLM), to assess the in vitro delivered dose of multi-walled CNTs (MWCNTs). Methods and results We incubated mouse lung fibroblasts (MLg) and differentiated human monocytic cells (THP-1) in 96-well plates for 24 h with a set of different MWCNTs. The cytotoxic response to the MWCNTs was evaluated using the WST-1 assay in both cell lines, and the pro-inflammatory response was determined by measuring the release of IL-1β by THP-1 cells. Contrasting cell responses were observed across the MWCNTs. The sedimentation rate of the different MWCNTs was assessed by monitoring turbidity decay with time in cell culture medium. These turbidity measurements revealed some differences among the MWCNT samples which, however, did not parallel the contrasting cell responses. FPLM measurements in cell culture wells revealed that the in vitro delivered MWCNT dose did not parallel sedimentation data, and suggested that cultured cells contributed to set up the delivered dose. The FPLM data allowed, for each MWCNT sample, an adjustment of the measured cytotoxicity and IL-1β responses to the delivered doses. This adjusted in vitro activity led to another toxicity ranking of the MWCNT samples as compared to the unadjusted activities. In macrophages, this adjusted ranking was consistent with existing knowledge on the impact of surface MWCNT functionalization on cytotoxicity, and might better reflect the intrinsic activity of the MWCNT samples. Conclusion The present study further highlights the need to estimate the in vitro delivered dose in cell culture experiments with nanomaterials. The FPLM measurement of the in vitro delivered dose of MWCNTs can enrich experimental results, and may refine our understanding of their interactions with cells.

scholarly journals Renovation of Public Lighting Systems in Cultural Landscapes: Lighting and Energy Performance and Their Impact on Nightscapes

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 509
Author(s):  
Lodovica Valetti ◽  
Francesca Floris ◽  
Anna Pellegrino
Keyword(s):  
Energy Efficient ◽  
Flux Distribution ◽  
Cultural Landscapes ◽  
Energy Performance ◽  
Luminous Flux ◽  
Landscape Value ◽  
Reduce Energy Consumption ◽  
Lighting Systems ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Positive Effect

The technological innovation in the field of lighting and the need to reduce energy consumption connected to public lighting are leading many municipalities to undertake the renewal of public lighting systems, by replacing the existing luminaires with LED technologies. This renovation process is usually aimed at increasing energy efficiency and reducing maintenance costs, whist improving the lighting performance. To achieve these results, the new luminaires are often characterised by a luminous flux distribution much more downward oriented, which may remarkably influence and alter the perception of the night image of the sites. In this study the implications of the renovation of public lighting systems in terms of lighting and energy performance as well as the effects relating to the alteration of the night image, in historical contexts characterized by significant landscape value, are analysed. Results, along with demonstrating the positive effect that more sustainable and energy efficient lighting systems may have on the lighting performance and energy consumptions of public lighting systems, evidences the impact they may have on the alteration of the nocturnal image.

scholarly journals Zinc, Zinc Transporters, and Cadmium Cytotoxicity in a Cell Culture Model of Human Urothelium

Toxics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 94
Author(s):  
Soisungwan Satarug ◽  
Scott H. Garrett ◽  
Seema Somji ◽  
Mary Ann Sens ◽  
Donald A. Sens
Keyword(s):  
Dna Methylation ◽  
Cell Culture ◽  
Cell Viability ◽  
Zinc Transporters ◽  
Cell Culture Model ◽  
Induced Expression ◽  
Glutathione Biosynthesis ◽  
Culture Model ◽  
A Cell ◽  
Cd Exposure

We explored the potential role of zinc (Zn) and zinc transporters in protection against cytotoxicity of cadmium (Cd) in a cell culture model of human urothelium, named UROtsa. We used real-time qRT-PCR to quantify transcript levels of 19 Zn transporters of the Zrt-/Irt-like protein (ZIP) and ZnT gene families that were expressed in UROtsa cells and were altered by Cd exposure. Cd as low as 0.1 µM induced expression of ZnT1, known to mediate efflux of Zn and Cd. Loss of cell viability by 57% was seen 24 h after exposure to 2.5 µM Cd. Exposure to 2.5 µM Cd together with 10–50 µM Zn prevented loss of cell viability by 66%. Pretreatment of the UROtsa cells with an inhibitor of glutathione biosynthesis (buthionine sulfoximine) diminished ZnT1 induction by Cd with a resultant increase in sensitivity to Cd cytotoxicity. Conversely, pretreatment of UROtsa cells with an inhibitor of DNA methylation, 5-aza-2’-deoxycytidine (aza-dC) did not change the extent of ZnT1 induction by Cd. The induced expression of ZnT1 that remained impervious in cells treated with aza-dC coincided with resistance to Cd cytotoxicity. Therefore, expression of ZnT1 efflux transporter and Cd toxicity in UROtsa cells could be modulated, in part, by DNA methylation and glutathione biosynthesis. Induced expression of ZnT1 may be a viable mechanistic approach to mitigating cytotoxicity of Cd.

scholarly journals The Impact of Chlorambucil and Valproic Acid on Cell Viability, Apoptosis and Expression of p21, HDM2, BCL2 and MCL1 Genes in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 1088
Author(s):  
Katarzyna Lipska ◽  
Agata Filip ◽  
Anna Gumieniczek
Keyword(s):  
Valproic Acid ◽  
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia ◽  
Cell Viability ◽  
Antiepileptic Drug ◽  
Drug Combination ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Histone Deacetylation ◽  
Lymphocytic Leukemia ◽  
Malignant Cells ◽  
The Impact

Malignant cells in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) show resistance to apoptosis, as well as to chemotherapy, which are related to deletions or mutations of TP53, high expression of MCL1 and BCL2 genes and other abnormalities. Thus, the main goal of the present study was to assess the impact of chlorambucil (CLB) combined with valproic acid (VPA), a known antiepileptic drug and histone deacetylation inhibitor, on apoptosis of the cells isolated from 17 patients with CLL. After incubation with CLB (17.5 µM) and VPA (0.5 mM), percentage of apoptosis, as well as expression of two TP53 target genes (p21 and HDM2) and two genes from Bcl-2 family (BCL2 and MCL1), were tested. As a result, an increased percentage of apoptosis was observed for CLL cells treated with CLB and VPA, and with CLB alone. Under the treatment with the drug combination, the expression of p21 gene was visibly higher than under the treatment with CLB alone. At the same time, the cultures under CLB treatment showed visibly higher expression of BCL2 than the cultures with VPA alone. Thus, the present study strongly suggests further investigations on the CLB and VPA combination in CLL treatment.

scholarly journals COXIBs and 2,5-dimethylcelecoxib counteract the hyperactivated Wnt/β-catenin pathway and COX-2/PGE2/EP4 signaling in glioblastoma cells

BMC Cancer ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aleksandra Majchrzak-Celińska ◽  
Julia O. Misiorek ◽  
Nastassia Kruhlenia ◽  
Lukasz Przybyl ◽  
Robert Kleszcz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Cycle ◽  
Cell Viability ◽  
Methylation Level ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Methylation Status ◽  
Receptor Expression ◽  
Cell Cycle Distribution ◽  
Ep4 Receptor ◽  
Cox 2 ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Glioblastoma (GBM) is the deadliest and the most common primary brain tumor in adults. The invasiveness and proliferation of GBM cells can be decreased through the inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin pathway. In this regard, celecoxib is a promising agent, but other COXIBs and 2,5-dimethylcelecoxib (2,5-DMC) await elucidation. Thus, the aim of this study was to analyze the impact of celecoxib, 2,5-DMC, etori-, rofe-, and valdecoxib on GBM cell viability and the activity of Wnt/β-catenin pathway. In addition, the combination of the compounds with temozolomide (TMZ) was also evaluated. Cell cycle distribution and apoptosis, MGMT methylation level, COX-2 and PGE2 EP4 protein levels were also determined in order to better understand the molecular mechanisms exerted by these compounds and to find out which of them can serve best in GBM therapy. Methods Celecoxib, 2,5-DMC, etori-, rofe- and valdecoxib were evaluated using three commercially available and two patient-derived GBM cell lines. Cell viability was analyzed using MTT assay, whereas alterations in MGMT methylation level were determined using MS-HRM method. The impact of COXIBs, in the presence and absence of TMZ, on Wnt pathway was measured on the basis of the expression of β-catenin target genes. Cell cycle distribution and apoptosis analysis were performed using flow cytometry. COX-2 and PGE2 EP4 receptor expression were evaluated using Western blot analysis. Results Wnt/β-catenin pathway was attenuated by COXIBs and 2,5-DMC irrespective of the COX-2 expression profile of the treated cells, their MGMT methylation status, or radio/chemoresistance. Celecoxib and 2,5-DMC were the most cytotoxic. Cell cycle distribution was altered, and apoptosis was induced after the treatment with celecoxib, 2,5-DMC, etori- and valdecoxib in T98G cell line. COXIBs and 2,5-DMC did not influence MGMT methylation status, but inhibited COX-2/PGE2/EP4 pathway. Conclusions Not only celecoxib, but also 2,5-DMC, etori-, rofe- and valdecoxib should be further investigated as potential good anti-GBM therapeutics.

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